Bazaar closed after a string of rebel attacks

PUL-I-ALAM (PAN): Security officials have closed a district bazaar in central Logar province after a series of militant attacks on military convoys, police said on Saturday.

The Purak bazaar was shut down on Friday after the Taliban stormed a convoy carrying supplies for foreign troops on the outskirts of Pul-i-Alam, the provincial capital.

Logar police chief, Col. Ghulam Sakhi Rogh Lewanai, told Pajhwok Afghan News two trucks were destroyed in the assault.

He added the bazaar had been closed in consultation with shopkeepers. Police would not allow the reopening of shops until the rebels were ousted from the area, he explained.

“The Taliban use the 300-shop bazaar as a lunching area for attacks. We have told shopkeepers that if someone opens fire using their shops, police would retaliate,” the police chief continued.

A shopkeeper, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Both the Taliban and government are creating problems for us.”

But Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied the insurgents used the shops to attack security forces.

myn/ma/mud

Visits: 0